Samsung Bows 3D-Compatible TVs, Blu-ray Disc Players

Samsung Electronics Co. March 9 unveiled a line of 3D-compatible LED televisions, Blu-ray Disc players and related home theater products it will launch this month in tandem with an exclusive 3D Blu-ray version of DreamWorks Animation’s 2009 release Monsters vs. Aliens.

Sony the same day announced that its first 3D TV, a 46-inch Bravia for $3,875, would begin hitting retailers in Japan in June, following shortly thereafter in the United States.

The consumer electronics giant already sells 3D-enabled Blu-ray Disc Players, including the wireless BDP-S470 for $200 at Best Buy.

Consumers of Samsung’s 3D-compatible LED 7000/8000/9000 series, LCD 750 series and Plasma 7000/8000 series televisions will a 3D starter kit, which includes two pairs of Samsung 3D glasses and the movie.

Monsters vs. Aliens is the first major studio home entertainment release on 3D Blu-ray, which will be followed later this year by 3D Blu-ray releases from Sony Pictures Home Entertainment, Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment and 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment.

DreamWorks Animation’s successful “Shrek” film series will be available in 3D Blu-ray exclusively for Samsung in the second half of the year.

“We are thrilled to be able to offer audiences the exciting opportunity to bring the world and characters of all of our ‘Shrek’ movies home with them this year in 3D,” said Jeffrey Katzenberg, CEO of DreamWorks Animation, in a statement.

Separately, Samsung bowed a series of touch-screen portable media players priced from $100 and available in April.

The R1 and R0 players offer 8GB and 16GB capacity, up to 2.6-inch LCD screen size, Bluetooth connectivity and are capable of storing upwards of 50 hours of music and six hours of video.

Finally, Samsung officially launched its first eReader with access to more than 1 million books, periodicals and newspapers through collaboration with Barnes & Noble.